Ride the Community Bus
Riding the community bus is not only financially sound, but also a great way to meet new people and multitask while travelling. Look up the bus schedule in your area, and try heading out on the bus rather than relying on your car for transportation.
Steps
- Get into shape. Catching the community bus may require you to walk quite a bit. Remember, bus stops are not always in the most convenient places.
- Find out which route you will need to take. Your community bus may have many different routes. Each route may have different and various schedules and destinations.
- Obtain a schedule for your route. Your community bus may have a helpful website with schedules and maps. If not, calling city hall would be a good option. Schedules may also be available on the bus.
- Find out the general operating hours. Knowing when the buses start and stop running will be useful.
- Check the bus fare. The last thing you want is to get on the bus, only to find out that you do not have enough money to ride. Your community bus may have a helpful website with the bus fares. If not, calling city hall would be a good option. Bus fares may vary depending on your age and/or disabilities.
- Learn the rider rules (rules of the bus). Knowing what you are and are not allowed to do/bring on the bus will prevent inconvenience to you, the bus driver, and fellow bus passengers.
- Locate the nearest bus stop, making sure that it is labeled with your community bus. Some bus stops are stops for more than one kind of bus.
- When you see the bus coming, stand and make eye contact with the bus driver. Make sure you are seen near the bus stop. Bus drivers usually pass stops if there is nobody there.
- Board the bus, pay the bus fare, and find a seat. If there are no seats available, go to the back of the bus and grab a pole or hand-rail.
- As you near your stop, alert the bus driver. Depending on the bus, this may be done in different ways. Most buses have ropes to pull. Others may have buttons on the walls to press. However it is done, alert the bus driver when you near your stop.
- Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop, then get up and exit the bus.
- Voila! You have just ridden the community bus!
Tips
- It's a good idea to ride with a buddy.
- Don't get off at a stop if you don't know where you are.
- Always be aware of where you are.
- Don't be afraid to be noticeable when it comes time to flag the bus down.
- Always keep a schedule handy wherever you go, even if you are not planning on riding the bus that day.
Warnings
- Watch out for suspicious people. You never know who you'll encounter on a bus.
- Make sure you hold onto something while the bus is in motion. Sudden stops and turns do occur.
Things You'll Need
- Bus schedule
- Cell phone (in case of emergencies)
- Bus fare
